The House of the Virgin Mary in short
The House of the Virgin Mary, in Turkish Meryem Ana Evi, stands on a wooded hill near Ephesus. Christian tradition holds that Mary stayed in this area with the apostle John. It is a tradition of faith and not a fact proved by archaeology, and the shrine is quiet and respectful.
Most people visit it on the same day as the ancient city. Several Ephesus tours with the House of the Virgin Mary combine the two, including half-day shore excursions from Kuşadası. For the city, see Ephesus tickets and hours.
What the place is
A shrine first, a sight second.
A place of prayer
The small stone house is a place of quiet prayer. Services can take place at the shrine, so expect people praying.
Tradition, not proof
The shrine presents it as a tradition that Mary stayed near Ephesus with John. Do not expect an archaeological identification of her home or of a grave.
Papal visits
Pope Paul VI visited on 26 July 1967 and Pope John Paul II on 30 November 1979. Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass at the shrine in November 2006.
Our pick: Ephesus and Mary's House
The house lies on the hill above the site, and this tour takes you to both.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours with the House of the Virgin Mary
Half-day tours, shore excursions and day trips that combine Ephesus with the House of the Virgin Mary, with live prices and availability.
Visiting the house
Practical points for a calm visit.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:00 to 18:00, the same all year |
| Entry and parking | Check the current entry and parking fees at the gate before you go |
| Ephesus ticket valid? | No, the ticket covers the ancient city, so the shrine is a separate visit |
| Best pairing | Ephesus in the morning, the shrine on the way back to Selçuk or the port |
| Time needed | A short visit, then back to the ancient city or Selçuk |
For most visitors, the best plan is a morning at Ephesus and a stop at the shrine on the way back to Selçuk or the port, since the upper entrance of the ancient city lies on the road toward the shrine. If you come by tour, ask whether the entry fee is included. Our self-guided Ephesus route shows how the ancient city fits in.
Behaviour and dress
This is a place of worship. These are suggestions and not fixed rules.
- Be quiet: Keep your voice low and put your phone on silent.
- Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees as a courtesy, and carry a light scarf if you want to be safe.
- Respect services: If a service is under way, wait or step aside.
- Photos: Ask before you photograph people who are praying.
- Heat: Midday in July and August is hot, with regional highs of about 33 °C. A morning or late afternoon visit is easier.
Tradition, history and where to read more
The link between Ephesus and the early Christian story is old. The city hosted councils in 431 and 449, and the Church of Mary and the Basilica of St. John are separate places that should not be mixed up. For the wider story, see the history of Ephesus, and for the basilica, the things to do in Selçuk.
House of the Virgin Mary: frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours?
The shrine is open 8:00 to 18:00 all year. Check the current times if you visit close to closing time.
How much does it cost?
Entry and parking fees are set at the site and can change, so check them at the gate. The Ephesus ticket does not cover the shrine.
Did Mary really live there?
That is a matter of tradition and faith. The shrine presents it as a tradition that Mary stayed near Ephesus with John. Archaeology has not proved it.
Can I visit if I am not Christian?
Visitors come from many backgrounds. What matters is a quiet and respectful visit.
Can I combine it with Ephesus in one day?
Yes, many tours do exactly that. Allow time for the ancient city first, and add the shrine in the morning or late afternoon.
Is this the official site of the shrine?
No. It is an independent travel guide with no link to the shrine, its association or any tour operator.